The war in Ukraine is also playing out online, where Russia is using propaganda, fake accounts, and manipulated videos and images to deflect blame and undermine support for Ukraine.

Kremlin-backed news outlets RT and Sputnik have become flashpoints for social media companies that are under pressure to curb the spread of Russian propaganda and disinformation.

Facebook, Google, Apple and Microsoft are taking steps to curb Russian propaganda, but they don't want to be kicked out of the country and limit Russians' access to their platforms.

The controversial coronavirus adviser apologized on Sunday for doing an interview with Russia's state-controlled network RT, saying he "was unaware they are a registered foreign agent."